World

Protesters win: University of Missouri president resigns

Updated (5:35 p.m. ET) to include more on school chancellor Loftin agreeing to exit his role by the end of the year.

University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe resigned on Monday following wide-scale protests over systemic racism on campus.

Students and faculty had demanded his resignation in light of a series of racist incidents. Wolfe said he hopes his resignation will result in change, noting the "frustration and anger on campus is and clear and real, and I don't doubt it for a second."

A group of faculty and staff at the university were staging a two-day walkout of classes, beginning Monday, in support of students protesting against racist incidents on campus. And just two days earlier, a group of black football players from the university said they won't "participate in football-related activities until President Tim Wolfe resigns."

A crowd of teachers and students who had gathered on the university quad cheered as news of his resignation broke.

A series of racist incidents on campus this year triggered these protests. Many had criticizing the lack of response by college leadership, specifically President Wolfe. But many on campus say the recent incidents are part of long-simmering systemic racism at the University of Missouri.

"We cannot abide a system president that resolutely refuses to learn about the people he is supposed to represent. Our students deserve better. We formally demand the immediate removal UM System President Tim Wolfe," read the statement.

The faculty met at the central quad at the Columbia campus at 10 a.m. Monday, ahead of Wolfe's announcement, and were responding to student questions at a "teach-in."

"We, the concerned faculty of the University of Missouri, stand in solidarity with Mizzou student activists who are advocating for racial justice on our campus and urge all MU faculty to demonstrate their support by walking out on Monday, Nov. 9, and Tuesday, Nov. 10," according to a statement from Associate Professor Elisa Glick.

The Columbia Missourian created a timeline of the racists incidents reported on campus this fall. There are reports of several African-American students being called "the N-word" by a man driving around in a pick-up truck on campus.

University Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced diversity training for faculty, staff and students. But the racist incidents continued. On Oct. 24, a swastika was drawn on a bathroom wall using human feces in a residential hall.

Members of the activists group Concerned Student 1950 — a reference to when the first year black students were admitted on campus — protested racism at the school by blocking Wolfe's car during a homecoming celebration in October.

Wolfe didn't meet with them until the beginning of November, but students were not satisfied with his response and demanded his resignation. Activists presented Wolfe with several demands, such as an increase in the percentage of black faculty. However, they said Wolfe did not acquiesce to anything they requested.

A graduate student named Jonathan Butler said on Nov. 2 that he would go on hunger strike until Wolfe resigned. After news of Wolfe's resignation broke, Butler tweeted that the hunger strike had ended.

For his part, Wolfe inititally responded to demands for his resignation on Sunday afternoon in a written statement:

It is clear to all of us that change is needed, and we appreciate the thoughtfulness and passion which have gone into the sharing of concerns. My administration has been meeting around the clock and has been doing a tremendous amount of reflection on how to address these complex matters.

Clearly, we are open to listening to all sides, and are confident that we can come together to improve the student experience on our campuses. We want to find the best way to get everyone around the table and create the safe space for a meaningful conversation that promotes change. We will share next steps as soon as they are confirmed.

Despite the resignation, student activist group Concerned Student 1950 tweeted that the work for change at the university was far from over.

Brothers and Sisters, this is a momentus occassion but do not be moved! Our Brother can eat, but we are still owed Demands! Stay strong!

According to a release by the University of Missouri, "Loftin will transition into director for research facility development" beginning January 1, 2016. Hank Foley, MU senior vice chancellor for research and graduate studies, will serve as interim chancellor.

Additionally, the school announced it will appoint the school's first chief diversity officer as well as its first inclusion and equity officer.

Board of Curators annouce series of initiatives; first ever chief diversity officer, inclusion and equity officer will be appointed. #Mizzou

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